Self–assessment is the first step in the job search process. You will not be
in a position to prepare a resume, send it to prospective employers or go to
interviews until you have some basic understanding of the kind of position you
are seeking. You should give considerable thought to the type of work that you
like to do. Such tasks require substantial preparation and a realistic appraisal
of your abilities.
The objective of self–assessment is to help you take inventory of the values,
skills, and interests that you currently possess. The following exercise should
help you determine what it is you want to do, what is important to you, and what
you feel you can do well. Once you have established these priorities, you can
begin investigating potential career options.
Understand Your Personal Traits The personal traits that describe me are: (Include all of the words
that describe you.)
Identify Your Personal Values Working conditions (physical and philosophical) that are important to
me: (List working conditions that would have to exist for you to accept a
position.)
Identify Your Skill Base The general skills I possess are: (List the skills that underlie tasks
you are able to complete.)
The specific skills I possess are: (List more technical or specific skills
that you possess and indicate your level of expertise.)
Skills I would like to use on the job include: (List skills that you hope
to use on the job, and indicate how often you’d like to use them).
Some skills that I’ll need to acquire for the jobs I’m considering include:
(Write down skills listed in job advertisements or job descriptions that
you don’t currently possess.)
Calculate Your Economic Need My estimated minimum annual salary requirement is: (Write the salary you
have calculated based on your budget.)
Explore Your Long–term Goals My long–term plans include: (Describe how the positions you are
considering will help you to obtain your long–term goals.)
CareerLeader
(Contact in the Career Services Center for a
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